Pauline Sleigh The Captains Secretay passed away on Monday 26th November.
She had been ill over a long period of time, but is now at rest and in Peace And if your faith allows it shes reunited with her parents in a better place.
Her funeral will be on Friday Dec 14th, at 2pm at Sutton Coldfield Crematorium, Tamworth Road, B75 6LG
Afterwards at New Hall Hotel, Walmley Road B76 1QX.
The service will be conducted my Captain John Burton Hall. She will be burried in her officers uniform and her desk plaque, at present rests on her coffin.
I had the great pleasure to meet Pauline on 16th June 1986 where she invited me into her office on 2 deck to arrange some things that the chosen few (her words not mine) get around to doing while on QE2.
Pauline was simply a stunningly attractive lady and from that day till the last day l saw her she remains the most beautiful of ladies l have ever had the pleasure to meet.
I had the pleasure of driving down to Southampton with Pauline and an officer friend in an open top car away back in 1988 , Paulines hair was everywhere, but as l was dropped at The Polygon she made her hair ready again and they finished the short drive to QE2.
As a guest on The Hotel Managers table one night when she was hosting, it was the Champagne we were served with. Her parents were on for a cruise with friends , and celebrating a birthday that night, she whispered to me "Hows your Birthday singing voice Myles " l replied "Oh Pauline, must we sing Happy Birthday tonight ? My singing voice has long gone" Her reply in hushed tone "Well l never had one but WE must try tonight!" with that she ordered another bottle of fine champagne , the cork was released our glasses filled till they could hold no more and we both took rather a large mouthful as the cake appeared like some demon monster. Our timing was, we thought perfect as we launched into the rendition of Happy Birthday only to realise we were the only ones who would be singing. She flashed me a look ,which l will never forget of blind panic and the look that said we have to carry on . We did carry on and sing our hearts out and when we were finished another mouthful of champagne to toast that our ordeal was over.
Charles (Paulines father) confessed to us he wouldnt have sung even if asked and smiled as he said "But please, the two of you, dont take singing up professionally" . I have never sung Happy Birthday since that date.
Later in the cruise Pauline invited her parents and myself to the Wardroom for pre lunchtime drinks , we had two and were then dispatched to the restaurant for lunch, while Pauline had her soup and roll, exclaiming that she had work to do and wasnt on holiday.
On a crossing when they had the three nights of Parties l had a phone call in my cabin from Pauline informing me to be ready and meet her at The Pursers office as we were going later to the Grill Room passengers cocktail party, l protested that l wasnt in The Grills, only to be told, Yes we know that but they dont, Besides your my guest and The Captain wont mind. It was Captain Bennell, as we did the meet n greet, he whispered is Pauline looking after you . we caught up shortly afterwards , it was the same routine the next night for those in the Caronia .
Pauline had a great sense of fun and humour and the beauty of a Hollwood actress.
As fate would have it , after a gap of some 10 years l got back into the QE2 life on a 3 day party cruise. l was so sure l recognised Pauline as a passenger but couldnt be be sure, but then she vanished, l went to the Pursers Office to make contact, they did confim she was onboard so i scribbled a short note and asked might this be passed to her. It was indeed passed onto her and within the hour we were having Afternoon tea putting the world to rights and catching up on old times. and lamenting the changing days for QE2.
After her time on QE2 Pauline went to work for The Birmingham Royal Ballet untill ill health made this task impossible.
My lasting memories of Dear Pauline are of a simply Beautiful Lady with a stunning smile and wonderful human being. The stars above are shinning just tad brighter in recent nights and your friends are enriched by knowing you.
May You Rest in Peace xx
